My Prayer for the Church

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12English Standard Version

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.

Ecclesiastes 4:10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

Ecclesiastes 4:12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

My Prayer for the Church:

1. A church that works together, not against each other (Ecclesiastes 4:9).

a. Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.

b. Teamwork divides the task and doubles the success. – Unknown

c. A team is made up of several teams (offense, defense, special) but ultimately it is one team.

d. We are okay with failing; we’re not okay with letting someone fail.

2. A church that picks each other up, not knocks each other down (Ecclesiastes 4:10).

a. Ecclesiastes 4:10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

b. ILLUSTRATION: Children playing with building blocks.

i. Mature people enjoy building something; immature people knocking things down.

c. John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

3. A church that fights for one another, not against each other (Ecclesiastes 4:12a).

a. Ecclesiastes 4:12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone,

b. Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle. – Plato

c. Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

d. Ephesians 6:18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

4. A church where Jesus is central, not peripheral (Ecclesiastes 4:12).

a. Ecclesiastes 4:12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Application

1. Who am I working with?

2. Who can I encourage?

3. Who am I fighting for?

4. Is Jesus central in my life?